Engineering Ethics:

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10 James is an engineer working for the company AERO that produces aero-engines. The company is developing a new type of aero-engine called the FANX. James is responsible for the testing of the FANX. He is in the middle of conducting a range of crucial tests for the reliability of the new aero-engine. Yesterday, Bill who is James' boss - has asked James to finish his test reports within a week because an important potential customer will visit AERO next week and wants to have a look at the first test reports. James first reaction is to refuse Bill's request: he is not able to finish the test report within a week; he first needs to do more tests. James considers these additional tests crucial for gaining good insight in the reliability of the FANX. Bill tells James to abandon the planned other tests and to start writing his report immediately. Later, there will be more time to do the other tests. Bill also tells James that if James refuses he will ask Eric to write the report. James says that he really needs more time. Moreover, he objects, Eric not knowledgeable of the tests and will not be able to write a sound report. After the meeting, James contacts Eric who says that he agrees with Bill and that he will finish the test reports if Bill asks him to do so. Suppose that James the next day decides to follow Bill's order and to finish the reports immediately, abandoning the other tests. a. Can this choice of James be justified in utilitarian terms? Explain why or why not. 6. What should James do if he would try to apply Kant's categorical imperative to this situation? Argue your answer. c. What virtues are relevant for an engineer doing tests like James? Mention at least four. d. What action is supported by these virtues? Argue your answer. e. Which normative theory is in your opinion best able to deal with this moral problem? Argue why